NBWA: April Beer Purchasers’ Index Indicates Continued Pre-Pandemic Buying Habits

The beer industry has continued to “revert to pre-pandemic trends” for the fourth consecutive month, according to the National Beer Wholesalers Association’s (NBWA’s) April Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI).

The total beer category posted a reading of 55, following a reading of 52 in March, while at-risk inventory (inventory at risk of going out of code) posted a reading of 47. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 indicates contraction.

“This combination of readings is an improvement over the first three months (Q1), with ‘at risk’ inventories falling below 50 as the industry heads into the second quarter,” the NBWA wrote.

However, the total category’s reading declined 24 points compared to its April 2021 reading of 79. During that month, all segments were in expansion, except for cider.

The FMB/hard seltzer segment fell again in April, reporting a reading of 40, continuing the segment’s “dramatic drop,” according to the NBWA. In April 2021, FMBs and hard seltzers recorded a reading of 90.

Craft also contracted, posting a reading of 48, well below the April 2021 reading of 64. Premium regulars were also down, with a reading of 38 – below the April 2021 reading of 56 – as was the below premium segment, with a reading of 37 compared to a reading of 51 in April 2021.

Only two segments expanded during the month – imports and premium lights. Imports continued to expand with a reading of 70 last month, slightly below April 2021’s reading of 74.

Premium lights’ reading of 52 last month was below the segment’s April 2021 reading of 69. However, the above-50 reading still indicates “expansionary volumes,” according to the NBWA.

The cider segment continued to contract, with a reading of 33, below its April 2021 reading of 44.